View on hm... negative weekend

Birmingham – Arsenal

"Brum have nothing to play for, but will try to give some importance to themselves in a title race. They won’t look tired. On the other hand, this is the highest importance for the Gunners. They definitely have potential to score few. Over 2.5 for me. bet365 offer 1.88, Pinnacle 1.83."

1-1 lost!

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Tottenham Hotspur - Portsmouth

"To make a good result at White Hart Lane, team should have very strong defensive abilities. Pompey currently don’t look even competitive. Defensive line with James on goal (made a sensational error vs. Chelsea) doesn’t promise anything more than another defeat with big margin. My bet is -2 ah. Pinnacle offer 2.11."

2-0 draw

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Bolton - Manchester United

"Utd have been doing hard all season to reach the top and I can’t imagine they lose the points against Bolton. However, they’ll try to keep some energy for Champions League game and won’t suggest any big handicap. Bet is Utd -1 ah. "

0-4 win!

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Sheffield United - Scunthorpe

"Scunny will fight, they need points but feel safe as Palace continued with their free fall. On the other hand hosts are chasing play-off. They definitely have quality for that, I expect very strong squad for this game and in such occasions, Bramall Lane become a hell place for visiting teams. I predict a win with few goals margin and choose -1 ah. 2.09 at Pinnacle."

0-1 lost!

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I'm dissapointed with Gunners, but really shocked with Sheff Utd. It was, actually my main pick of the weekend. I didn't have time to post here (posted only at SoccerVista)  a gamble Blackburn 2-2 ht/ft, but at the end a negative weekend and worst week in 2010.

With a waiting for better days, more will follow.

Good luck to all.

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Tottenham - Everton

Spurs are currently fifth on the table with three points less than Man.City. They’re struggling on the road, but showing much better performances at White Hart Lane. At home, most problems they have had against defensively oriented teams like Hull (0-0), Wolves (0-1) and Stoke (0-1). At Friday, came news from Spurs’ camp they’re hit by a virus and 18 players and stuff are infected. But, it seems it was only Redknapp’s psychological warming-up for Everton. True is Palacios and Corluka are having some problems with a stomach bug and their appearance is doubtful. Real problem for “Arry” is the condition of Defoe and Crouch. Both will face a late fitness test and I expected one of them (Defoe more likely) to start the game alongside excellent Pavlyuchenko.

David Moyes crew was knocked from the Europe in Lisbon on a kind of humiliating way. Problem for him for today’s game is all players looked jaded after that game. Good thing for them is Everton turned the corner in Premier and overcame results crisis caused by large number of injuries. The Toffees have noticed just a single defeat (Liverpool away, 0-1) in last twelve games and in last two games at Goodison defeated giants (Chelsea 2-1 and Man.Utd. 3-1). They also won at last three league visits to White Hart Lane. So, despite European exit they definitely don’t lack with self confidence for today’s game. Beside fatigue, main problem for Moyes is missing of some very important players. Skipper Cahill, Fellaini and defenders Hibbert and Senderos. Good thing is Distin and Heitinga are available again and Jagielka already made his return. Everton have managed to keep only one clean sheet in their last nine league matches away from home and they have scored in 11 of their last 12 league games.

This is very important game for both sides. Spurs have huge attacking potential, but in last few games were showing some vulnerabilities in back line and just thankfully to Gomes and luck weren’t punished. Everton like to play against Spurs and I think Moyes won’t practice defensively 4-5-1. Despite the fact none of the last eight league games between these sides have been won by the home team I give an advantage to Spurs, but see goals at decent odds as a better option. Over.

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Tuesday brought a profit

Tottenham 2 - 0 Fulham

Tottenham reignited their push for a top-four spot with a clinical victory over Fulham at White Hart Lane.
The hosts, searching for a first league win since December, took the lead when Peter Crouch capitalised on some poor defending to clip in from close range. 
And David Bentley made the most of a rare Tottenham start when his free-kick was deflected home on the hour mark. 
The Cottagers offered little in attack, though Bobby Zamora brought a brave save out of Heurelho Gomes early on. 
However, the victory was all too comfortable for a Tottenham side that rarely had to get out of third gear as the hosts kept hold of fourth spot in the league, three points ahead of Liverpool, who were held to a goalless draw by Wolves. 
It was a far from fluent victory for Spurs, though, who have lost an element of attacking swagger of late with winger Aaron Lennon injured. 
But they had far too much for a Fulham side whose performances away from Craven Cottage could hardly be more of a contrast with their impressive home form. 
With just one league win on their travels all season, Fulham's gameplan was clearly to keep things tight early on - and they were grateful to Mark Schwarzer's smart low stop from Tom Huddlestone's drive in the first minute amid a typically sharp start from the hosts.
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Bolton 1 - 0 Burnley

Owen Coyle was subjected to a barrage of abuse from the Burnley fans who once idolised him - but his discomfort was eased as Bolton secured a vital victory that sent his former club into the Premier League's bottom three.
Coyle was the hero of Turf Moor less than a month ago after guiding them to the top-flight, but his defection to nearby Bolton has soured the relationship forever and he received a fiercely hostile reception from 5,000 travelling fans inside The Reebok stadium. 
Bolton answered the taunts aimed at their new boss by giving him his first league win as Chung-Yong Lee's goal, scored off the underside of the bar after 35 minutes, secured a crucial three points to leave Coyle's Turf Moor successor Brian Laws still searching for his first victory. 606: 
The Burnley supporters made their feelings clear about their one-time manager even before kick-off, with chants of "Judas" and a succession of banners - none of them flattering. One read "Never Forgotten Never Forgiven" and another was laced with Monty Python humour with the message "He's Not The Messiah. He's A Very Naughty Boy." 
Coyle emerged to a dazzle of flashlights from cameramen gathered around his technical area - then kept a low profile as Bolton went about the main business of securing the result that moved them out of the relegation places at Burnley's expense. 
And it was a win Coyle's side deserved as they achieved their first clean sheet in the league this season and left Burnley with only one point from a possible 36 on their travels. 
Coyle, perhaps unwisely, ventured on to the pitch at the final whistle to sympathise with his beaten former players and applaud the Burnley fans - to suggest the gesture was not appreciated is a masterpiece of understatement. 
Bolton created the better opportunities, while Burnley failed to make the most of any possession they enjoyed, their plans admittedly not helped by the early loss of Chris McCann and Graham Alexander to injury. 
It was clear long before the start that Coyle would be on the receiving end of a fearsome reception from a welcoming committee of away fans packed into one end of The Reebok Stadium intent on venting their fury. And so it proved.
www.bbc.co.uk

Tottenham - Fulham

After three competitive games without a win (Hull 0-0 at home, Liverpool 0-2 away and Leeds 2-2 home), Spurs have made a run for the 4^th place much more interesting as they now have M.City (same points) and Liverpool (a point less) on their back. This run has two sides. First, missing of Lennon. Without him, Defoe and Crouch don’t get much crosses and that has a big impact on Spurs’ scoring potential. Modric and Kranjcar are great technician, but their inability to win a tackle against much physically stronger midfielders makes from them a big cost for the team, especially against stronger rivals (Liverpool). However, those two bring a big advantage when Tottenham play vs. weaker rival that is focused on defending (Fulham). Second, Hull’s goalie Myhill made probably a best performance in career. Otherwise, would be a few goals margin. Against top four Spurs have a losing pattern, but good display despite another defeat should be mentioned. Leeds weren’t a disaster except it brought another game in short period. Tonight, ‘Arry will miss mentioned Lennon, Woodgate and Assou-Ekotto, while Pavlyuchenko and Huddlestone are in doubt. Goals that they conceded in Liverpool were the first after six games.

 

Fulham hold 9^th position with decent results so far. Main problem for boss Hodgson is their away form. They have only one win in eleven games on the road (four draws) and scored same number of goals. Even against low division Stanley in Cup had a lots of problems and hardly won (3-1) against 10 men opponent. From this distance they’ll hardly repeat the achievement from previous season (Uefa). Hodgson also has some problems regarding tonight’s game. First, they won’t be more rested than Spurs as he set a strong side to face Accrington. Second, he’ll miss some important players. His side-backs, Pantsil and Konchevsky, are out. Attack will be weaker for Dempsey and Zamora. Zamora somehow already has recovered from broken collarbone, but I don’t think he’ll be fit to appear. And third, beside they don’t like to travel, the Cottagers especially don’t like to travel at White Hart Lane as they won there just once in 62 years.

 

Spurs will play 6 encounters in 19 days. Sharing the effort is very important, but same as a good start of those run. Defoe said this game could define the whole season and I agree with that. They’re tired, but not more than Fulham are. Will miss Lennon, but Fulham will miss both side-backs. Instead Lennon’s crosses, I expect some creativity from Modric and Kranjcar that will provide some chances for Defoe – Crouch. Also, expected from Palacios to score from a distance. Sixth sense. Home win and very probably with few goals margin.

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Manchester United – Hull City

United come into this game after a slap from City in Carling Cup and to make the things even worse both goals were conceded from top enemy at present. So, Sir Alex is very annoyed by that game, but also with whole season as well. United have noticed some very surprising defeats lately (four in last nine competitive games, Villa, Fulham, Leeds and City). Big debt of the Glazer family caused team probably can’t be strengthened during the winter market. Injury crisis also didn’t help. However, with a win today United would occupy top of the table (Chelsea and Arsenal play FA Cup). Defender John O'Shea is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a blood clot problem, while Vidic remains sidelined with a calf complaint. But, long waited return of Rio Ferdinand should happen today and Berbatov has recovered from a dead leg. United have won their last six league and cup matches against Hull.

 

Hull occupy the 18 place at the table with the second worst away record with just four points (four draws) from eleven games (first is Burnley)! Hard times are in front the Tigers and they look like serious contender for moving in the second tier. Big blow for their Premier League hopes is injury of their “key of the keys” man, Jimmy Bullard (will return probably next weekend against Wolves). Without him, Hull usually look harmless and focused only on defending their own goal. To change it, boss Phil Brown has brought Amr Zaki (played for Wigan previous season), but he’s totally unfit and won’t appear today. In previous round, Hull make the biggest upset of the round keeping a goalless draw at White Hart Lane thankfully to wonder game of goalie Boaz Myhill, but also to huge amount of luck. Defender Kamil Zayatte will face a late fitness test, but Brown has no other injury concerns.

 

United feel humiliated and this game should heal the wounds. Ferguson wants a win by few goals margin which would be a nice introduction to re-match vs. City. So far, United haven’t had any problems with the clubs of Hull’s level (Wolves 3-0,Wigan 5-0 and Burnley 3-0 in last three home games). And last, I think Hull spent the luck against Spurs and don’t expect them to be such fortunate again. Home -2.5 handicap win looks like a nice bet.

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Tottenham Hot. - Sunderland

Tottenham have noticed two straight defeats in Premier League (fringe players beat Everton in Cup). And while first one was the result of more than a bad luck (Spurs had 22 attempts on goal, but lost vs. Stoke 0-1), second one came from London’s big derby vs. Arsenal (0-3 on the road). Absence of key striker Jermaine Defoe who has been their main goal scorer this season with 6 goals so far was a main reason for not scoring. He served his suspension and will lead the attack. Second important player for goal scoring, Aaron Lennon has an ankle injury and his appearance still hasn’t been confirmed. The key is Spurs will shine against lesser sides, but will struggle against the big 4. Their shape is much better at White Hart Lane than on the road. Harry Redknapp was furious after Arsenal capitulation and demands response. Two side-backs, Bassong and Corluka are as Lennon in doubt (I guess one of them will surely play), but Spurs are well covered and don’t think it will have significant impact.

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During the transfer market, Sunderland again spent a lot. Squad looks more than competitive so far. But, problems begin when they left their Stadium of Light. Only one win and one draw with four defeats. In last four games they lost three times and all three times against the clubs from bottom half of the table (Stoke City 0-1, Burnley 1-3 and Birmingham City 1-2). Also, big problem for today’s game is missing of three very important players. Key midfielder Lee Cattermole is injured and won’t play. His fellow midfielder Lorik Cana is suspended, just like striker Kenwyne Jones. Defender John Mensah remains out with a persistent calf problem while another midfielder Zenden is also not fit enough to travel to London. McCartney (defender), Campbell (forward), and Bardsley (defender) all having knocks.  The biggest threat to the opponents will be Darren Bent who left Spurs during the summer. He made a statement today accusing Redknapp he didn’t want him in the club. Manager Steve Bruce will set 4-5-1 formation with Bent alone in front.

In my opinion, this game has a big weight for Redknapp and Spurs. After two consecutive defeats, one more failure could make a serious trouble. Defoe is back, midfield should have a full domination and I see at least two goals scored for Spurs. My only worry is angry and fully motivated Bent. Counting on his possible individual effort, I’ll go on -1 handicap, instead -1.5.

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Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool's quest to end a 20-year wait to win the title started with the disappointment of an opening-day defeat against Spurs at White Hart Lane.
Rafael Benitez can have few complaints as Liverpool - heavily tipped to end Manchester United's run of three successive Premier League titles - delivered a lame display which lacked attacking invention and genuine quality. 
Spurs, in contrast, showed the greater ambition and the scenes of delight at the final whistle reflected the renewed optimism felt by Harry Redknapp and his players at claiming one of the top flight's prized scalps. 
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane wasted three glorious openings before Benoit Assou-Ekotto's thunderous drive gave Spurs a deserved lead a minute before the interval. 
Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes' rush of blood threw Liverpool a lifeline they barely merited after 56 minutes when he dashed from goal and brought down Glen Johnson, allowing Steven Gerrard to level from the spot.
But Spurs were swiftly back in front when defender Sebastien Bassong marked a hugely promising debut following his £8m switch from Newcastle by heading Luka Modric's free-kick past Pepe Reina. 
Liverpool finally sparked into life and were infuriated when referee Phil Dowd dismissed late claims for a penalty after substitute Andriy Voronin tumbled under a challenge from Assou-Ekotto. 
It capped Liverpool's intense frustration and assistant manager Sammy Lee was sent from the dug-out after an exchange with the fourth official. 
Liverpool also have an injury worry over defender Martin Skrtel, who struggled throughout with a jaw injury after a clash of heads with Jamie Carragher. 
Benitez 's side failed to make a serious attacking impact on Spurs, with Fernando Torres well-shackled by Bassong and Ledley King, and their midfield lacking cohesion without the departed Xabi Alonso. 
Spurs were comfortably the more accomplished side, with Wilson Palacios and the gifted Modric dovetailing well in midfield and their reshaped defence looking assured throughout. 
White Hart Lane proved a bogey ground for Liverpool last season, with one of only two Premier League defeats at Spurs - and boss Benitez will be hoping this represents little more than a false start. 

Redknapp gave Keane the nod ahead of new boy Peter Crouch in attack - and he was not short of opportunities in a first half that started slowly but ended with Spurs in command.

www.bbc.co.uk

Tottenham Hot. - Liverpool

After few years of big spending, this transfer period is passing quietly for Spurs. Only big (maybe soundable is more appropriate word) signing is Peter Crouch who came from Portsmouth and defender Sébastien Bassong came from Newcastle. But, it definitely doesn’t affect on ambitions for the forthcoming season, as the team looks more than competitive. Nobody is satisfied with Euro League as the ultimate limit and Spurs will be another club (beside Man.City and A.Villa) who will try to separate “big four” of English football and reach Champions League. Harry Redknapp will have more than decent trio in attack, mentioned Crouch, his team mate from Portsmouth Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane who will have additional motive to prove himself against ex boss. Midfield seems as the weakest link, team beside Lennon, Modric and Palacios needs on more top quality player. But for the season opening, Redknapp’s biggest problems are with the defence line. Jonathan Woodgate is recovering from groin surgery and won’t appear, his fellow center-back Michael Dawson is out with an achilles injury, while excellent side-back Gareth Bale will be also sidelined with the knee injury. Beside them, Jermaine Jenas is in doubt for the match. Tottenham have six successive home league win from last season and they’re unbeaten in last 11 top flight games at White Hart Lane. First game will give some answers and maybe even can predict the season for home side, another year spent in mediocrity or something more. 

Last season ended as another disappointment for the Reds. Second place on the table with four points less than Man.Utd. didn’t satisfy anybody at Anfield and all are announcing another chase for the trophy, pointing – this time won’t be excuses. But, it is a big question is the team better than in the previous season, or even worse. Club signed right-back Glen Johnson and excellent Italian Alberto Aquilani who came from AS Roma. But, big loss (bigger than anybody in club admits) is Xabi Alonso who signed for Real Madrid. And in the midfield are the first signs of trouble. Aquilani won’t play before September as he recovers from an ankle problem, while Steven Gerrard is doubtful with a groin injury. So, center duo will be Mascherano and probably Lucas Leiva. But, real Rafa’s headache starts in defence. He already stated they need some defenders, but for Spurs game problem will be even bigger because the injuries. Daniel Agger (back), Fabio Aurelio (knee) will be sidelined, while Jamie Carragher (ankle) and Martin Skrtel (hamstring) are also injured, but Benitez will probably risk with them and they should feature. As Spurs, Liverpool also have excellent run of results with ten wins and a draw from last eleven games in Premier. The Reds suffered only two league defeats last season, the first a 2-1 reverse at Spurs that lifted Harry Redknapp's side off the bottom of the table. This time will be even harder, at White Hart Lane Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League since last November. However, anything less than three points would be a big hit to Liverpool’s title credentials.

Tottenham have high ambitions, will face one of the best clubs which already defeated and surely won’t lack in confidence. But, will lack in defence line. I’m not sure are they capable to win, but it seems they believe in it and will attack the visitors. And visitors like to be attacked. But same is for Liverpool, beside quality and ambitions there’s a lack in defence. All in all, goals should be a nice bet. Pinnacle offer 2.06. Over.

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Arsenal defender Kolo Toure in a deal worth £15m, while the Eastlands club also expect to sign Chelsea captain John Terry and Everton defender Joleon Lescott by the end of August. (Sunday Times) 
City's deal for Terry is edging closer with a £35m fee likely for the England captain. (Mail on Sunday) 
However, such a move would actually seem unlikely with Terry ready to commit to a new £150,000-a-week deal which would mean he will end his career with Chelsea. (Sunday Express)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is planning a £7m bid for Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, 23, whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of the season. (News of the World)
And the Arsenal boss is planning to make a £15m move for Real Madrid striker - and Tottenham target - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and a £10m bid for Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole (Sunday Express)
Wenger is also leading the race to sign Brazilian 'wonderkid' Wellington, 17.(News of the World) 
LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham will turn his back on a return to the Premier League and rejoin AC Milan on loan in December. (Sunday Mirror) 
West Ham will demand £15m for centre-back Matthew Upson, who is being chased by Tottenham, but if Manchester City fail to buy John Terry City boss Mark Hughes will make a move for Upson. (News of the World) 
Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch will complete a £10m move to Tottenham on Monday. (Sunday Mirror) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will fly out to Amsterdam to thrash out personal terms with Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, 25, after agreeing an £18m deal with the Spanish side.(News of the World) 
Spurs also lead the chase for Leeds United midfielder Fabien Delph - the highly-rated 19-year-old would cost £6m. (Sunday Times)
Aston Villa look likely to land Totteham midfielder Jermaine Jenas, 26, and Villa boss Martin O'Neill will sell Nigel Reo-Coker and Craig Gardner to make room for the England international. (News of the World) 
Another player who could be leaving Spurs is Scottish right-back Alan Hutton, who is a £7m target for Everton. (News of the World) 
And yet more talk of an exit from White Hart Lane for Spurs striker Darren Bent with Sunderland making a club-record £15m bid for the 25-year-old. (News of the World) 
Stoke, Fulham and Hull are battling to sign West Ham's injury-plagued striker Dean Ashton for £5m. (Sunday Express)
Meanwhile, a move for West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert is being considered by Bayer Leverkusen.(News of the World) 
Hull boss Phil Brown wants to sign Newcastle defender Habib Beye, 31, for £2.5m.(News of the World) 
Porstmouth boss Paul Hart wants to bring Nottingham Forest defenders Wes Morgan and James Perch to Fratton Park. Hart has already had a £1.5m bid for Perch turned down. (News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has called Manchester City "stupid and arrogant" and a "small club with a small mentality". Ferguson also claimed City's £25m new signing Emmanuel Adebayor had been offered to United and Chelsea after he had agreed a deal to move to Eastlands. (Mail on Sunday) 
However, Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho has stirred the pot further by backing City to win the Premier League this season. "Adebayor up front with Carlos Tevez - unbelievable... City are Champions for sure," said Mourinho.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Wives and girlfriends of players at LA Galaxy are holding a "bury the hatchet" barbeque in an attempt to end tension between David Beckham and the rest of the Galaxy squad.
The WAGS hope the good spirit will filter through to the fans who booed Beckham on his return to the Galaxy after a spell with AC Milan. (Sunday Express)
www.bbc.co.uk